IIllil MAR Ser LHA 1-D34 : ', From: Commanding Officer, USS TARAWA (LHA-1) To : Chief of Naval Operations (OP-05D2)

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1 DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY U.S.S. TARAWA LHA 1 F P.O. SAN FRANCISCO From: Commanding Officer, USS TARAWA (LHA-1) To : Chief of Naval Operations (OP-05D2) 5757 Ser LHA 1-D34 : ', MAR Subj: Command History (OPNAV Report ) Ref: (a) OPNAVINST C ENCL: (1) USS TARAWA Officer Precedence List 1. The Calendar Year 1984 Command History for USS TARAWA (LHA-1) is submitted in accordance with guidance contained in reference (a). a. Basic History (1) Command Organization (a) Commanding Officer 84JAN1-84DEC31: Philip F. Duffy, Captain - U.S. Navy,? 1 11 Lineal # DOR 810CT01 (b) Mission and Function of Command: The Amphibious Task Force, which executes its tasks in support of the Navy's force projection mission, is composed of LHA, LPH, LPD, LSD, LKA, and LST class ships. TARAWA, the lead ship of the LHA class of General Purpose Amphibious Assault Ships, combines the functional capabilities of the LPH, LPD/LSD, and LKA to deliver a balanced payload, by air or surface operations, in an amphibious assault. Explicitly, a former Chief of Naval Operations defined the LHAts mission: "To embark, deploy, and land elements of a Marine Landing Force in an assault by helicopter, landing craft, amphibious vehicles, and by any combination of these methods." (c) Composition of Command: The command was composed of USS TARAWA (LHA-1) and organic assets which included one UH-1N (BUN ), two LCM-6 and four LCPL assault boats. Ships complement included 63 commissioned officers and 846 enlisted personnel as of 31 December (d) TARAWA was homeported at Naval Station, San Diego, California during calendar year IIllil

2 1984. (2) Summary of Operations and Special Events for Calendar Year 01 JAN - 02 JAN: 03 JAN - 08 JAN: 09 JAN - 08 APR: 09 APR - 08 JUN: 09 JUN - 10 JUN: 11 JUN 12 JUN - 15 JUN: 16 JUN - 17 JUN: 18 JUN - 22 JUN: 23 JUN - 24 JUN: 25 JUN - 29 JUN: 30 JUN - 04 JUL: 05 JUL - 07 JUL: 08 JUL - 09 JUL: 10 JUL - 12 JUL: 13 JUL - 15 JUL: 16 JUL - 20 JUL: 21 JUL - 23 JUL: 24 JUL - 26 JUL: 27 JUL - 06 AUG: 07 AUG - 08 AUG: 09 AUG 10 AUG - 13 AUG: 14 AUG - 23 AUG: 24 AUG - 26 AUG: 27 AUG - 29 AUG: 30 AUG 31 AUG 01 SEP - 04 SEP: 05 SEP - 07 SEP: 08 SEP - 10 SEP: 11 SEP - 13 SEP: 14 SEP - 17 SEP: 18 SEP - 02 OCT: 03 OCT 04 OCT 05 OCT - 17 OCT: 18 OCT - 25 OCT: 26 OCT - 28 OCT: 29 OCT - 02 NOV: 03 NOV - 05 NOV: 06 NOV - 18 NOV: 11 NOV 15 NOV 19 NOV 20 NOV 21 NOV 22 NOV - 17 DEC: 18 DEC ; holiday upkeep ; upkeep ; SRA ; ESRA ; TYTIPT At Sea, SOCAL OP Area for ISE At Sea, SOCAL OP Area for Interim Refresher Training At Sea, SOCAL OP Area for ISE At Sea, SOCAL OP Area for Interim Refresher Training At Sea, SOCAL OP Area for MTT At Sea, SOCAL OP Area for ISE Inport, Seal Beach, California for ammunition load At sea, SOCAL OP Area for Amphibious Refresher Training At sea, SOCAL OP Area for MTT ; upkeep ; TYTIPT At sea, SOCAL OP Area for OPPE At sea, SOCAL OP Area for KERNEL USHER 84-2 ; CSRT At sea, SOCAL OP Area for UMI ; CSRT ; upkeep At sea, SOCAL OP Area for OPPE ; upkeep At sea, SOCAL OP Area for ISE/NGFS QUALS ; upkeep ; POM At sea, SOCAL OP Area for ISE At sea, SOCAL OP Area for STRL ; POM Underway for WESTPAC deployment, FLEETEX 85-1 Inport, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii At sea, Hawaiian OP Area for BELL VOLCANO 85-1 Inport, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii Underway for Yokosuka, Japan, FLEETEX 85-1 Surveilled by two Soviet TU-95 BEAR D aircraft CHOP to Seventh Flt Turnover at sea with COMPHIBRON 3 Offload at Numazu, Japan Underway for Yokosuka, Japan Inport, Yokosuka, Japan for upkeep Onload at Numazu, Japan I 4

3 19 DEC - 23 DEC: ARG ALFA group sail for Hong Kong 24 DEC - 29 DEC: Inport, Hong Kong for port visit 30 DEC - 31 DEC: At sea, South China Sea for transit to Pattaya Beach, Thailand b. Narrative History (1) TARAWA began the year 1984 in a holiday upkeep period which was concluded on 2 January. An additional six days of upkeep preceded TARAWA's entering a five month Selected Restricted Availability (SRA) at the San Diego Naval Station. During this period, extensive repairs were effected throughout the ship. Major modifications and repairs to TARAWA included the following Ship Alterations: High Intensity Searchlight Installation Automatic Magazine High Temperature and Flooding Alarm Modification Main Feed Pump Modification for Reliability and Maintainability Replacement of Aircraft Elevator Lift Cylinder Piston Aircraft Elevator Lock Modifications Aircraft Elevator Stanchion Modifications Replacement of Both Superheater Heads on Numbers 1 and 2 Boilers Halon 1301 Fire Extinguishing System Installation Correction of Class Ordnance Discrepancies Stern Gate Emergency Operating Gear Repairs Stern Gate Machinery Improvements (2) Upon completion of SRA on 8 June, TARAWA commenced preparations, in earnest, for an impending operational deployment. The period from 9-17 June was spent making ready for Interim Refresher Training. This intensive period commenced on 18 June and consisted of 12 days of intensive training in order to bring TARAWA's crew to a highly proficient level of operational readiness, (3) TARAWA's engineering Mobile Team Training Assistance Visit (MTT) was accomplished in the first two weeks of July, with an underway portion conducted July. Following the MTT, TARAWA completed its initial ammunition onload at Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station from 10 to 12 July. Predeployment workup evolutions continued with Amphibious Referesher Training (16-20 July) during which TARAWA personnel becoming gained expertise in controlling and handling landing craft. This training was accomplished offshore at Camp Pendleton, CA and at Silver Strand Beach, Coronado, CA. (4) TARAWA's initial Operational Propulsion Plant Examination (OPPE) was scheduled from AUG but was terminated due to a possible unsafe boiler condition. This condition was later demonstrated to have been within tolerance of normal operating parameters. A subsequent reexamination, 5-7 September, was flawlessly completed. (5) On 10 August, TARAWA commenced a three day onload of Marine elements in preparation for Exercise KERNAL USHER During the KERNAL USHER 84-2 exercise period, August, TARAWA, with COMPHIBRON 1 embarked, demonstrated its amphibious assault capability

4 by landing and supporting Marine ground forces at Point Magu, CA while simultaneously controlling air units at Camp Pendleton, CA. In the final week of August, TARAWA received a Combat Sysytems Readiness Test (CSRT). The results of this examination demonstrated the high degree of readiness of the ship's weapons and electronic systems. (6) From September, the final underway workup period before deployment, TARAWA conducted a FIREX I naval gunfire support (NGFS) exercise at San Clemente Island. The firing efforts were successful, and the satisfactory completion earned TARAWA's first-ever NGFS qualification. (7) After a brief upkeep, TARAWA commenced a thirty day Preparation for Overseas Movement (POM) period on 18 September. The ship remained inport during the period except for a day of independant steaming on 3 October and a day of sea trials on 4 October. The ship took advantage of the underway day on the 3rd to conduct a guest cruise and host families of the crew and Marines who would be embarking for the deployment. Late in the POM, period TARAWA embarked the initial portion of non-organic Navy and Marine assets for the deployment. (8) The long awaited Western Pacific deployment commenced on 18 October with TARAWA, flagship for COMPHIBRON 1, getting underway from Pier 7, Naval Station San Diego as part of a group sortie in conjunction with FLEETEX 85-1, PHASE I. PHASE I consisted of the transit of the USS CARL VINSON and USS CONSTELLATION aircraft carrier battle groups (CVBG) and the TARAWA amphibious task group (ATG) from Southern California to the Hawaiian operating areas. In addition to TARAWA and COMPHIBRON 1, the ATG was comprised of PHIBRON 1 ships USS DULUTH, USS TUSCALOOSA, USS JUNEAU, and USS MOUNT VERNON. (9) The ship arrived in Pearl Harbor on 26 October to complete Marine embarkation and to make final preparations for amphibious exercise BELL VOLCANO The exercise was designed to aid in the rapid integration of Navy and Marine assets which would remain together for the rest of the deployment. After a rehersal landing at Bellows Beach on Oahu, TARAWA proceeded to the island of Kauai for the exercise landing. The operation was conducted smoothly and the ship returned to Pearl Harbor on 3 November. (10) The TARAWA ATG conducted a sortie from Pearl Harbor on 6 November along with the CARL VINSON CVBG and both groups commenced a westerly transit. The battle groups parted on 10 November with the TARAWA ATG proceeding to Yokosuka, Japan, while the VINSON CVBG continued on a more westerly course. The next day, TARAWA encountered its first surveillance of the year by Soviet aircraft. Two Tu-95 BEAR D aircraft flew a circular pattern around the ATG with a closest point of approach to TARAWA of 1000 yards at an altitude of 800 feet. On 12 November, two Soviet Tu-95 BEAR E aircraft were detected by TARAWA as they flew toward the CARL VINSON CVBG. These aircraft came no closer than 170 nautical miles to TARAWA. On both days, the Soviet aircraft were escorted by CARL VINSON F-14 aircraft.

5 (11) USS TARAWA reported to COMSEVENTHFLT for duty on 15 November. An at-sea relief with COMPHIBRON 3 and the USS NEW ORLEANS ATG was conducted on 19 November which included the cross-decking of 31 MAU, the permanently deployed Landing Force Commander. The turnover completed, TARAWA proceeded to Numazu, Japan for the offload of Marine ground elements and positioning of aviation assets at NAF Atsugi prior to arrival at Yokosuka. TARAWA enjoyed a productive upkeep period in Yokosuka from 21 November until 18 December. Most of the Marine ground elements which had been at Camp Fuji for the period were embarked prior to sailing. However, the remainder were reembarked off Numazu and the ship, now a part of ARG ALFA consisting of COMPHIBRON 1, TARAWA, DULUTH, and TUSCALOOSA, proceeded south for a port visit to Hong Kong. (12) Following an uneventful transit, TARAWA moored to buoy A-51 off Fenwick Pier on 24 December. The crew enjoyed Chirstmas and five incident-free days of liberty in the city aptly named " Pearl of the Orient." On 29 December TARAWA departed port for the last time in As the New Year arrived, TARAWA was steaming in company with USS DULUTH on a southerly transit of the South China Sea en route to Pattaya Beach, Thailand c. Statistical and Mission Highlights (1) Supply Department supported TARAWA with services in the following manner: Food Service Fund Distribution Meals served 1,025,604 Provisions Consumed ($) 746,566 Eggs (dz) 28,804 Bread (lbs) 26,676 Flour (lbs) 4,848 Milk (gals) 36,432 Checks Issued $12,530, Gross Disbursements $8,202, Collections Accomplished $856, Travel Claims Processed 847 Total Material Issues 6,878 Aircraft Readiness Full Mission Capable Rate 97% Total Aircraft Days 2,023 Full System Aircraft Days 1,964 Total Ship Store Sales $581,157.01

6 (2) In May, the Supply Department received the AN/UYK 65(V) Snap I Phase I1 non-tactical computer system. The addition of this new computer system was accompanied by the transfer of DP Division from Combat Systems Department to Supply Department. The new Supply Division was named 5-7 and consisted of the ADP Officer and 21 Data Processing Technicians. A Supply Management Inspection (SMI) was conducted July and a grade of satisfactory was received in all three functional areas (Material Support, Stock Control, and Aviation Material). (3) The Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD) was awarded its fourth consecutive Battle Efficiency "E" as result of the department's efforts during the COMNAVSURFPAC competitive cycle ending 31 December The department also received satisfactory grades on its two major inspections of 1984, a 3-M inspection by COMNAVSURFPAC and a pre-deployment inspection by COMNAVAIRPAC. AIMD recorded an outstanding 99 percent completion rate for the 3-M inspection. (4) In March, AIMD Airframes workcenter completed work on a ship's x-ray vault which was subsequently certified by the Radiation Safety Officer, Port Hueneme. This achievement was significant in that the x-ray vault was accomplished as a 100 percent self-help project by AIMD Airframes personnel. (5) AIMD processed a total of 2400 items in 1984 and repaired and made ready for issue 2136 items. AIMD was able to repair and return to service 89 percent of all items inducted for work in (6) TARAWA's helicopter, EAGLE ONE, a UH-IN, underwent standard depot level maintenance (SDLM) at Corpus Christi, Texas from January to April. In August, EAGLE ONE logged flight hours, the highest monthly total for TARAWA to date. EAGLE ONE flew flight hours in 1984 and was full mission capable 92.7 percent of its flight time. (7) Air Department assets were utilized heavily during the latter half of the year in refresher training, predeployment work-ups, and the deployment itself. The department performed well in graded training and inspections, completing refresher training, amphibious refresher training, and the Type Commander's 3-M inspection with respective scores of Outstanding, Excellent, and 92 percent. In addition, all ship's company pilots received a grade of Satisfactory on their annual NATOPS examinations. Air Department also received its sixth consecutive Battle Efficiency "Em. (8) TARAWA deployed to the western Pacific with 29 aircraft embarked, five in excess of normal loadout for LHA deck loading. Specifically, these aircraft were, 4 AH-IT, 6 AV-8B, 12 CH-46F, 4 CH-53D, and 3 UH-IN. Selected statistics for calendar year 1984 are: Helicopter Landings Completed 3984 AV-8B Landings Completed 768 Carrier Controlled Approaches Completed 451 (9) After a holiday upkeep period, TARAWA's Engineering Department began a SRA period in San Diego which lasted from 9 January until 8 June. During this period, major Engineering Department jobs were completed including the replacement of all boiler superheater tubes and repairs and improvements to the stern gate and aircraft

7 elevators. On May the forward main machinery room light off examination (LOE) was completed, and the LOE for the after main machinery room was accomplished on May. The Engineering Department successfully completed its Operational Propulsion Examination (OPPE) 5-7 September. The department was nominated for the damage control "DC" for its accomplishments during the Type Commander's competitive cycle ending 31 December. The propulsion plant compiled the following statistics in 1984: Hours Steamed #1 Boiler 1,716 #2 Boiler 1,743 Gallons of Fuel (DFM) Consumed 3,811,983 Gallons of Fuel (DFM) Received 4,272,309 Shaft Revolutions Utilized 3,088,744 Gallons of Lube Oil Consumed 1,071 Gallons of Potable Water Produced 1,880,450 Gallons of Feedwater Consumed 1,214,285 (10) In 1984, TARAWA'a Medical Department was faced with many challenges, expected and unexpected, and was able to meet them while accomplishing all of the many tasks assigned to the department. During the ship's SRA period, vital medical equipment was replaced and renovation of medical spaces was conducted. During several of the underway periods leading to deployment, the Medical Department was evaluated for its casualty handling capabilities. During each exercise, simulated casualties. were received and processed as realistically as possible. Many valuable lessons were learned during these exercises and TARAWA's Medical Department demonstrated its proficiency to regulate the movement of, and treat mass combat casualties. (11) Prior to, and during, the deployment the Medical Department maintained a high state of readiness. In calendar year 1984 there were 2789 outpatients treated at Sick Call and ten inpatients admitted to the LHA-1 ward. In support of this definitive care, the pharmacy filled 6439 perscriptions, the laboratory performed 6265 tests, and technicians took 1438 x-ray photographs. Two new hospital corps NECs were added to TARAWA's manpower authorization in These were an aviation medicine technician (8406) and a bio-medical repair technician (8478). These specialty personnel complemented an already diversified health care delivery team. (12) As a combined team, the Medical Department provided quality health care to the ill from the most common of maladies to actual life support and intensive care. (13) In 1984 the USS TARAWA Dental Department distinguished itself as a hard working and efficient team that was highly responsive to the needs of TARAWA personnel. During the year the Dental Department provided a variety of high quality dental services to TARAWA crewmembers and to other ships without dental capabilities. During the first two weekends in October, the department also provided a preventive dentistry program for school aged dependents of the crew. The Dental Department provided treatment or diagnostic services to 2,482 patients in TARAWA's dental readiness averaged 99.0

8 percent for the four quarters of the year, the highest average of any ship in the Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. On 26 September a predeployment Medical Readiness Evaluation found no discrepancies and awarded the Dental Department a C-1 grade. The department's performance throughout 1984 thoroughly justified that outstanding grade. (14) Deck Department received the Assault Boat "E" for the second consecutive competitive period in The department also featured prominantly in the four underway refueling operations in calendar year 1984 during which the ship received 1,790,000 gallons of fuel. Amphibious refresher training provided ample opportunities for Deck Department to engage in boat operations. In addition, the ships boats, consisting of four LCPLs and 2 LCM-6s were used during amphibious exercises KERNEL USHER 84-2 and BELL VOLCANO For the Western Pacific deployment, TARAWA was augmented by ACU-1 Boat Group One, Team One consisting of five LCM-6s and one LCU. (15) In Calendar Year 1984, the Communications Department Telecommunications Center processed a total of 67,110 messages for TARAWA, COMPHIBRON 1, 31 MAU, BLT 2/3, HMM 262, VMA 513 DET BRAVO, ACU-1 Boat Group One, Team One, TACRON 12 DET DELTA, EODMU-1 DET 33, 11 MAU, 17 MAU, and NLFS TARAWA. The Signal Bridge processed 1,175 visual messages. During the ship's SRA all ten deck-edge HF whip antennas were replaced with ten new antennas of a new design. The antennas were manufactured by Chu Associates of San Diego and installed by Communications Department personnel without outside assistance. The Signal Bridge was awarded Signal Bridge of the Quarter for the 2nd quarter 1984 by COMPHIBRON 1. (16) In addition to accomplishing an extensive work package during the first half of the year, the Navigation Department conducted a comprehensive training program in preparation the upcoming deployment. The department successfully completed refresher training (with a score of 88%), amphibious refresher training, various gun qualifications in which the quartermasters maintained the surface plot, the COMNAVSURFPAC 3-M inspection and various other predeployment inspections. By the end of the year, the Navigation team had safely guided the ship from San Diego to Hong Kong via Pearl Harbor and Yokosuka. Other noteworthy events during the year included the winning of the "Golden Nozzle" in the ship's first annual Damage Control Bowl and the reenlistments of four out of five eligible personnel. (17) February 1984 saw the formation of the new Combat Systems Department. This new organization combined the ship's fire control, electronics and ordnance technicians and was created to provide corrtbat equipment reliability and maintenance at a systems level. (18) Operational readiness exercises in preparation for the October deployment commenced in June. These included a successful missile firing exercise in which a "kill" was awarded. Additional noteworthy evolutions were an MLA/LFORM and Shipfill ammunition onload, amphibious refresher training, a Combat Systems Readiness Test

9 (CSRT), a COMNAVSURPAC 3-M inspection, naval gunfire support (NGFS) qualification and an EWEX-8 electronic warfare exercise. Final preparations for deployment included a communications suite readiness test and SLQ-32(V)3 Electronics Warfare equipments and Super Rapid Blooming Offboard Chaff (SRBOC) certifications in October. (19) While deployed, the Combat Systems Department participated in numerous exercises conducted in conjunction with FLEETEX 85-1, BELL VOLCANO 85-1, and ARG ALFA group sailings. These were designed to improve gun and missile systems tracking and firing readiness. The Combat Systems Department was augmented, for the deployment, by a four man Explosives Ordnance Disposal (EOD) detachment. EODMU-1, DET 33 embarked 5 November 1984 to provide support for aviation ordnance evolutions. During the year ending 31 December 1984, Combat Systems Department fired 241 rounds of 5" 54 cal. ammunition from gun mounts 51, 52, and 53, and one AIM-7/BPDMS missile. The Department was nominated for the Missile and Electronic Warfare "El's for excellence for their efforts during the COMNAVSURFPAC competetive cycle ending 31 Decemeber (20) Operation's Department dedication and drive throughout 1984 were reflected in a nomination for the CIC green "E" for the competitive period ending 31 December. Operations Department tempo for the first five months of the year was slow due to the long SRA. However, the use of numerous team training simulators ashore kept operator proficiency peaked. The pace of operations quickened considerably through the summer with refresher training, Amphibious Refresher Training, exercise KERNEL USHER 84-2, and NGFS qualification. These evolutions denote only a few of the underway operations in which the department became engaged. (21) Once deployed, considerable battle force training was received during FLEETEX 85-1 which featured the participation of 35 ships and submarines. Participation in exercise BELL VOLCANO was another valuable training opportunity and again proved the professionalism of the Operations Department. Coincident with BELL VOLCANO, the Intelligence Division received a satisfactory grade on an Operational Readiness Evaluation conducted by COMPHIBGRU 3. Throughout the Western Pacific deployment, the Operations Department personnel enhanced their level of expertise and responded appropriately to all operational scenarios. (22) The Executive Department provided services to the following personnel in 1984: Ship's Company 63 Officers 846 Enlisted Embarked Staff 13 Officers 27 Enlisted COMPHIBRON 1 25 JUN 05 JUL - 27 JUL 24 AUG - 04 SEP 10 SEP - 31 DEC

10 Embarked Marines 138 Officers 1163 Enlisted NUCLEUS LANDING FORCE STAFF 11th MAU 17th MAU FWD AIR DET BEACH GROUP ONE HMA 169 DET ALFA VMA 153 DET BRAVO 2nd SECTION, 2nd PLT, CO A, 1st TANK BN, 1st MARDIV 2nd SECTION, TOW CO, 1st TANK BN HMM (C) 262 HQSVC CO, 2nd BN, 3RD MARINE DIV WPNS CO, 2nd BN, 3RD MARINE DIV CO G, 2nd BN, 3RD MARINE DIV CO A, 3rd CBT ENG BN MSSG 37 FOX CO, BLT 2/3, 1st MARINE BRIG 08 AUG - 31 DEC 08 AUG - 21 AUG 13 JUN 15 JUN 16 JUL - 20 JUL 18 OCT - 31 DEC 28 OCT - 31 DEC Embarked Assault Craft Units ACU ONE DET ACU ONE BOAT GROUP ONE TEAM ONE Embarked TACRON TACRON 12 DET DELTA 1 Officer 6 Officers 25 Enlisted 14 AUG - 23 AUG 18 OCT - 31 DEC 16 Enlisted 16 JUL - 20 JUL 18 OCT - 31 DEC Administrative actions completed were as follow: Personnel Awards Reenlistments Reenlistment rate for those eligible Navy Achievement Medals Letters of Commendation Court Martials Completed NJPs Awarded Copy to: Director of Naval History (OP-09BH) Washington Navy Yard Washington, DC 90374